Minister Shaheen Signs Three Bilateral Agreements with Chilean Foreign Minister

Santiago, Chile/ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Shaheen signed three bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding with Chilean Foreign Minister Mr. Alberto van Klaveren on Thursday. The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation, a customs cooperation agreement, and an agreement allowing spouses and family members of diplomats to work in their host countries.
The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Santiago, in the presence of the Palestinian Ambassador to Chile, Vera Baboun, the minister’s accompanying delegation, senior officials from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Palestinian community. Prior to the signing, Minister Shaheen and Minister van Klaveren held discussions on ways to enhance bilateral relations at all levels, intensify political dialogue, and work jointly to ensure the success of the upcoming International Peace Conference scheduled to take place in New York in June.

For his part, Minister van Klaveren reaffirmed Chile’s commitment to strengthening economic, political, and trade relations with Palestine. He also reiterated Chile’s ongoing political and moral support for the Palestinian people and their government in achieving an independent state. 
Minister Shaheen renewed her call for Chile to elevate its diplomatic representation to the level of an embassy, as a sign of the strong relations between the two countries and Chile’s recognition of Palestine. Furthermore, Shaheen extended an invitation to the Chilean Foreign Minister and the President of Chile to visit Palestine during the upcoming Christmas season and  take part in the sacred celebrations held annually in Bethlehem. She also encouraged them to visit other Palestinian cities to witness firsthand the political developments on the ground. Minister van Klaveren welcomed the invitation.